On February 26-27, 2025, Professor Remus Pricopie, Rector of the The National University of Political Studies and Public Administration (SNSPA), represented CIVICA – The European University of Social Sciences at the European Rectors’ Meeting in Brussels.
A key moment on the event’s agenda was the strategic dialogue with Roxana Mînzatu, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for social rights and skills, quality jobs, and training. Professor Remus Pricopie was among the university leaders who engaged in discussions with the European Commission’s Executive Vice-President, focusing on the future of the European Universities Initiative. The discussions revolved around strengthening the skills necessary for Europe’s competitiveness, strategic autonomy, and preparedness in key areas such as artificial intelligence, sustainability, clean energy, and security. The high-level meeting, held on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, in a restricted format, brought together rectors and presidents of universities from European alliances.
The European Rectors’ Meeting, held on Thursday, February 27, 2025, gathered representatives from all 65 European university alliances, Members of the European Parliament, national and regional authorities from EU member states, key organizations in higher education, European student associations, as well as entrepreneurs and private sector representatives. During the open discussion sessions, university rectors contributed to shaping strategies for the development of the European Universities Initiative, exchanging best practices and identifying challenges in implementing joint academic projects.
“This high-level meeting provided us with a valuable opportunity to contribute to shaping the future of European higher education. We emphasized the crucial importance of enhancing the European Union’s competitiveness and the essential role universities play in developing the skills necessary for a Europe prepared for future challenges. We had the chance to discuss key issues such as the long-term funding of European university alliances and the implementation of the European Degree concept. Furthermore, we highlighted the need for better coordination between EU member states and a unified vision for the future of European higher education. Strengthening these alliances is vital to fostering innovation and academic excellence in the European Higher Education Area,” stated Professor Remus Pricopie, Rector of SNSPA.
The meeting concluded with a joint commitment by university rectors and the European Commission to continue efforts to expand and strengthen the European Universities Initiative, promoting academic excellence and transnational collaboration in education, research, and innovation.
Photo Source: Roxana Mînzatu
